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The Science of Women’s Health: Ob/Gyn Reveals 10 Truths You Need to Know

Order your copy of The Let Them Theory 👉 https://melrob.co/let-them-theory 👈 The #1 Best Selling Book of 2025 🔥 Discover how much power you truly have. It all begins with two simple words. Let Them. — Today’s episode is a must-listen because you’ll learn exactly what to do (and not do) to take better care of your body. In this research-packed episode, one of the top gynecologists in the world is here to debunk 10 myths about women’s health. Mel is asking all the uncomfortable questions you want to ask but never have, and today you’re getting the answers. Gone are the days of feeling small or out of control when it comes to your health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take their power back. Dr. Jen Gunter, MD, is joining Mel in this no-shame, straight-to-the-point conversation. Dr. Gunter is known as the internet’s best Ob/Gyn. She is a double-board certified, fellowship-trained medical doctor and a fierce advocate for women’s health. Dr. Gunter says you deserve science-backed solutions, not fairytales, and she is here to bust through all health myths and clear through the misinformation. This conversation is going to make you think differently about everything, from periods to pleasure—it’s all covered today. And you’ll also want to listen all the way to the end for one of the most poignant, inspiring endings to any episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast. Dr. Jen Gunter’s website: drjengunter.com For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page: www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-205 Follow The Mel Robbins Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelrobbinspodcast I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 02:30 The internets #1 Ob/Gyn shares why she decided to follow this career path. 07:36 Dr. Jen Gunter reveals the REAL truth about pubic hair. 13:02 This is what we’re getting wrong about our vaginas. 25:38 Debunking the BIGGEST myth about the female orgasm. 37:39 Does your vagina really need to “breathe” at night? 41:08 These common vaginal infections are often misdiagnosed. 49:30 The biggest misconceptions about periods. 51:35 Why “cleanses” and “resets” don’t actually work. 01:00:48 This is the most important take away from this episode. — Follow Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@UCk2U-Oqn7RXf-ydPqfSxG5g Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melrobbins Website: http://melrobbins.com — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins?sub_confirmation=1 — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah

Mel RobbinshostDr. Jen Gunterguest
Aug 22, 20241h 7mWatch on YouTube ↗

At a glance

WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT

OB/Gyn Debunks Viral Vaginal Myths, Cleanses, And Wellness Scams

  1. Mel Robbins interviews OB/Gyn Dr. Jen Gunter about pervasive misinformation surrounding women’s health, especially vulvas, vaginas, periods, and sexual function.
  2. Gunter explains how marketing, patriarchy, and social media fear-mongering create shame and sell unnecessary or harmful products, from “feminine hygiene” washes to boric acid and cleanses.
  3. She clarifies basic anatomy, normal discharge, odor, lubrication, and orgasms, and stresses that the vagina is self-cleaning and rarely needs special products.
  4. The conversation ends with practical guidance on fact-checking health information, trusting evidence over influencers, and using simple, boring fundamentals—exercise, fiber, and skepticism—as the real foundations of health.

IDEAS WORTH REMEMBERING

5 ideas

The vagina is self-cleaning and does not need internal products.

You should never wash or douche inside the vagina; introducing water, soap, or ‘pH-balancing’ products disrupts the acidic environment and healthy bacteria, increasing the risk of infections.

Most ‘feminine hygiene’ and scent products are unnecessary and often harmful.

Fragranced wipes, special washes, and “freshness” products raise pH, irritate tissue, and are linked to more infections; they’re built on the false premise that your vulva/vagina is dirty or smelly and must be fixed.

Pubic hair, underwear, and grooming styles are cosmetic choices, not medical necessities.

Pubic hair protects skin and moisture; removing it is optional but can cause irritation, infections, and chronic dryness. Thongs, lace, shapewear, and sleeping in underwear are fine as long as they’re not irritating.

Odor and discharge are usually normal; changes and symptoms warrant evaluation.

A clear/white discharge of up to a few milliliters daily, and a body-part smell, are normal. Seek care if discharge is green, dark yellow, bloody, foul-smelling, or accompanied by itching, pain, or burning.

Penetrative sex is not the most reliable path to orgasm for many women.

Clitoral stimulation, foreplay, and other forms of sexual activity often provide more consistent pleasure; not climaxing from penetration alone is normal, and sex doesn’t have to be orgasm- or penis-centered to be satisfying.

WORDS WORTH SAVING

5 quotes

The vagina’s a self-cleaning oven. You don’t need to do anything to it.

— Dr. Jen Gunter

Anyone who tells you they can balance your vaginal pH has outed themselves as an idiot on the subject.

— Dr. Jen Gunter

Everything is about making women feel smaller and damaged. Whenever you hear any message, ask: does this thought make me less of a person?

— Dr. Jen Gunter

If you don’t take this hormone or supplement, this will happen—those urgent messages are sales pressure tactics, not medicine.

— Dr. Jen Gunter

Google is not a medical library. It’s a popularity contest.

— Dr. Jen Gunter

Misinformation and fear-based marketing in women’s health and social mediaBasic vulva/vagina anatomy, pH, discharge, odor, and hygienePubic hair, underwear, shapewear, and common grooming mythsSex, orgasm, lubrication, pain with intercourse, and the hymen/virginity mythsYeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, boric acid, and over-the-counter treatmentsPeriods, lesser-known menstrual symptoms like diarrhea, and debunking “toxins” and cleansesHow to critically evaluate medical information and avoid wellness pseudoscience

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